Education - Marxism Flashcards
What do Marxists believe about societies groups?
There’s a ruling class who exploits a subject class (proletariat) in capitalist society
Why do Marxists argue capitalism hasn’t been overthrown yet?
Capitalist ideology is reproduced through law, education, religion and mass media making workers form a false consciousness preventing them from realising their exploitation
What does Louis Althusser (1971) say is the main role of education?
To reproduce an efficient and obedient labour force
How does Louis Althusser argue education achieves his theory?
Teach them necessary technical skills Teach them the ruling class ideology so they form a false consciousness which prevents them from rebelling against their future exploitation
What does Louis Althusser call education?
Ideological state apparatus
What does Bowles and Gintis say is the main role of education?
Reproduction of an obedient labour force
How do Bowles and Gintis argue their theory is achieved in schools?
Hidden curriculum of schooling and the correspondence between school and work which helps justify inequality
What do Bowles and Gintis say about meritocracy?
It is a myth implying that people are responsible for their own failures
What does Ivan Illich (1995) say about schools?
They are repressive institutions which promote conformity and promote passivity in its students so they don’t criticise the capitalist ideals
How does Illich argue schools do this?
They reward those who accept the regime and excluded from progress in education if they question the teachers authority
What is Illich’s solution to this problem?
Deschooling
Who else agrees with Illich?
Friere (1996)
What is Paul Willis’ (1997) criticism of these theories?
Students aren’t passive and do question the system
What was Willis’ research method?
He observed and interviewed many kids in the Midlands
What were Willis’ findings?
Working-class boys were disruptive and had a negative attitude towards education and seemed approval from each other
